Latest news with #BhojWetlandProject
Time of India
09-08-2025
- General
- Time of India
30 years on, another attempt in works to save Upper Lake now mocked by weeds
Bhopal: Nearly three decades after the Japan-funded Bhoj Wetland Project brought Rs 2,100 crore worth of conservation efforts to Bhopal's lakes, the city is preparing a new rejuvenation plan for Upper Lake—at roughly one-third the cost. This marks the first integrated restoration initiative for Bada Talab in 30 years. Led by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) in collaboration with EPCO, the plan is being shaped by experts from SPA Bhopal and MANIT. Environmental Planning and Coordination Organisation (EPCO) established in 1981 and which functions as an advisory body on ecological and sustainability issues, to integrate environmental planning into Madhya Pradesh's development process. Bada Talab, the manmade lake built by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century, remains India's only artificial water body still capable of supplying potable water. Over the years, it has suffered from unchecked weed growth, siltation, and pollution. De-weeding, particularly along the Bhopal–Sehore stretch, is a priority, as the Kolans River—one of the lake's main feeders—has become choked with nutrient-rich sediment. BMC commissioner Harendra Narayan said a preliminary plan has been submitted to EPCO, which is serving as the nodal agency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you should Ditch over 40 Learn More Undo "Experts from MANIT and SPA are formalizing the integrated development plan. It will be submitted to the union govt for funding approval as part of the national initiative to preserve UNESCO Ramsar sites," he said. The plan includes lake and river restoration, water treatment, catchment protection, and infrastructure upgrades around sensitive zones. Officials hope the project will not only restore Bada Talab's ecological balance but also reinforce its Ramsar site status and viability as a drinking water source. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
23-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘Selective ban as heavy vehicles crush Upper Lake ecosystem'
Bhopal: Bada Taal, also known as Upper Lake, requires safeguards beyond addressing encroachment and contamination issues. The constant traffic of heavy vehicles on VIP Road poses a significant threat, according to environmental specialists and this too should be addressed, they say. Large trucks, dumpers and intercity buses could cause lasting damage to the lake's delicate ecological balance. These vehicles should be subject to restrictions similar to those recently imposed on e-rickshaws, say experts "The VIP Road was never meant to be a traffic artery—it was a protective measure for the lake," says National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment (NCHSE) director general and former Bhoj Wetland Project official, Pradeep Nandi. "Bhoj Wetland project's priority was to establish a buffer zone, remove encroachments and stop garbage from flowing into Bhojtal. Even the Boat Club side was designed to restrict vehicular movement. The road's role was secondary—meant to ease congestion, not invite it. Today, we're seeing the consequences of ignoring that vision." Environmental advocates highlight that while e-rickshaws face new limitations, large vehicles such as dumpers and intercity buses continue to utilise VIP Road, which borders Bhojtal and hosts endangered migratory birds. Conservationist Kamal Rathi addresses broader concerns about chemical pollution from tyre wear at the lake among others. "VIP Road was designed as a bypass route, not as a transit path for heavy vehicles passing near a Ramsar wetland," he says. "The BRTS scheme intended to reduce traffic on city centre highways, but inadequate implementation has resulted in unfulfilled objectives. Currently, the discharge of tire-based contaminants, specifically 6PPD-quinone (highly toxic to aquatic life and impacts food chain), into Upper Lake via rainwater drainage presents a substantial environmental concern. Scientific research indicates this substance inflicts harm to the liver and nervous system of water-dwelling organisms, even in minimal quantities. We must acknowledge Bhojtal as a thriving ecosystem rather than viewing it as an alternative traffic route." Existing national and state highways passing through the city centre should be decongested, as originally proposed under the BRTS scheme. This was part of the broader intention to route heavy traffic away from sensitive zones like VIP Road and Bhojtal in the city. Conservation specialists advocate for a fresh assessment of traffic management near the lake, stressing the importance of balancing environmental preservation with urban transport requirements.
